Consultant, Business Analyst specialising in Mobile Banking and Payments.

Monthly Archives: September 2006

Today, or
rather yesterday (1st September) was the 2nd anniversary
of my joining TCS. Even though I actually finished college in May 2006, this is
the day college life actually ended and the realities of life (work, money etc.)
actually came to the forefront.

The past
two years have had a whole lot of learnings in them. From an “electronics
engineer” (LOL :-)) I first became a software professional and then a student
again. In a way life has come one full circle.

On a
personal front, the wild child that I had inside me has cooled down
considerably. From a kid, not waiting a minute in picking up fights, I have
become more like dad (I don’t remember the last time I saw him angry). My
temper has mellowed down considerably and I have become more subdued in my approach
to things. (Dear Reader…. Wipe that smirk off your face… its true! :-))

In these
two years, the steepest parts of the learning curve came twice, the first 4-5
months into my project in TCS and now after joining MDI. The second phase is
still in continuation and I expect it to continue for the next year at least. After
two years, it will start all over again. It never really ends, does it?

Coming to
TCS, the most significant contribution that TCS made in me was that it made me
more tolerable to people in authority. I have always had a problem with someone
ordering me around. I agree that nobody likes this, but some people adjust to
it better than others. Having been “blessed” with a boss who never even thought
twice before screaming at her husband in public (again and again and again…),
the adjustment part was a bit beyond my reach initially (it never came within
my grasp). The constant running-ins that I had with her did leave a bad taste
in the mouth early on, but with time even that started feeling normal. I did try
my best to keep a distance from potentially explosive situations, but when
there are two empty vessels in the sink, there is bound to be some clatter. At the
same time, there were some other people from whom I learnt a lot. They were
there to clean up the mess that I used to make and kept me in reins whenever I threatened
to run amok. Thanks everybody!

Living in
Mumbai was also a roller coaster experience. My initial misgivings about the
city vanished over the course of time and I came out a total convert. Mumbai
can do that to people.

As for
the past 3 months in Gurgaon, I can’t say anything now. I’d rather have the
benefit of hindsight and experience before I comment on it.

Because
if “Hindsight is always twenty-twenty” (Billy Wilder) and “Experience is the
name everyone gives to their mistakes.” (Oscar Wilde)

Let’s
all make mistakes at least the eyesight will improve. (Gagan Jain)